Espoo’s library and culture bus Välkky
Espoo’s library and culture bus Välkky is a versatile mobile service. Välkky offers all your basic library services: you can borrow and return books and browse the rotating collection of books and other materials. You can borrow materials from Välkky using your Helmet library card and return the materials to any Helmet library. You can also get a library card from the bus.
The bus’s shelves can be replaced with craft tables or a sofa. They can also be removed entirely. This way, there is room on the bus for hanging out, crafting, and even small-scale music performances. During the summer, activities can also take place outside the bus under a canopy.
We are happy to cooperate with different partners. Below, you can find information about the services and experiences Välkky offers to Espoo residents.
Schools
Välkky visits schools on weekday mornings. Three days a week, the bus hosts KULPS Library Path book tip events, workshops, and other visits in collaboration with library specialists. During the first-graders’ tour, we show first-grade pupils how to use the library, and each pupil receives a Helmet gift book. You can find more details about KULPS Library Path services for schools and booking instructions on the KULPS Library Path page.
Two days a week, Välkky visits schools that are located far from a library or have groups with special support needs who may find it difficult to visit a library otherwise. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has equal access to library services. The regular school route includes 15–20 schools, and it is updated each semester based on needs. If your school is far from a library or the journey is otherwise challenging for pupils, we can discuss the best way to bring library services directly to your school.
Välkky is also happy to participate in schools’ theme days in the evenings and, when possible, on weekends!
Schools can reserve materials for the Välkky bus once a visit has been scheduled. Please make reservations well in advance. Normal pickup times do not apply to mobile library reservations. Instead, the reserved materials will generally be available for pickup on the next two scheduled visits. If you send material requests via email – for example for a book club – please include the class library card number and the exact number of books needed.
Theme weeks during school holidays
During school holidays, Välkky visits residents’ parks, playgrounds and beaches. The bus offers a diverse collection of books and fun activities, especially for families with children. Perhaps you’ve already spotted Kesädösä (summer bus), Syysdösä (autumn bus) or Talvidösä (winter bus)?
Day care centres, afternoon clubs and residents’ parks
We are happy to visit day care centres and residents’ parks for special theme days, as well as afternoon clubs. Visits take place on weekdays between 13:00 and 17:00.
Read more about Espoo City Library’s services for early childhood education groups: Library services for day care groups.
Neighbourhood events, festivals and other celebrations
If your event has a Välkky-sized space for books, get in touch! We are happy to participate in all kinds of events, as long as they fit into Välkky’s schedule. Events Välkky has visited include the Raittikarnevaalit street festival, Kalajärvi Day, Haltia’s Outdoor Saturdays, and American Car Show!
Cooperation with other organisations
Would you like to teach knitting on board Välkky, or do you have another activity or event that Välkky could offer to people across Espoo? We are happy to cooperate with organisations that aim to improve Espoo residents’ access to culture, education, and public dialogue. All activities must be free of charge for participants. We have previously partnered with museums, city planning initiatives, and various projects.
Are you interested? Do not hesitate to contact us!
Please get in touch at least 6 weeks before your event. The best way to reach us is by email at kirjastoautot@espoo.fi.
When requesting the library bus to visit a new location, please provide a detailed description of the spot where the bus should be parked during the visit. Välkky is 13 metres long and 2.5 metres wide, requiring approximately six parking spaces. Make sure the route to the bus is safe.
The bus can accommodate about 20 people at a time. At the back of Välkky, there is a raised platform with bean bag chairs, a video projector and a screen. Välkky’s collection and furniture are always tailored to fit the nature of each event. Feel free to share your specific requests with us!